Vintage Martins: Necks and interiors

[@michaelmullen8373]

I am an owner of a 60's D-18 and not a luthier but this is so cool to actually see what all of these features look like and how they make the different versions sound. Thank you for putting all the time and work into this!

[@Bryankimsey]

I figured it might be interesting for guys that don't see inside them all the time! Your 60's is going to look a lot like the '48 inside.

[@michaelmullen8373]

@@Bryankimsey That really helps to know. Thank you. I inherited my late brother's 1966 D-18 that I have asked you questions about several years ago now. He bought it new and only had it for a year and a half before his sailing accident. I started playing it about 8 years later and have ever since. Every time I watch one of your D-18 videos I think of him and the great family member (his D-18) that he left behind. THANK YOU!

[@thepokerpilotapp]

The ‘41A internals look like a work of art. So pristine.

[@Bryankimsey]

We'll check back in 80 years. :)

[@thepokerpilotapp]

If find this fascinating.

[@johngeddes7894]

The good stuff right here! Thanks

[@Bryankimsey]

Thanks!!! I have fun with stuff like this.

[@softsouthernknight]

Yes - I have a 71 D-18 Standard that is 1/8 inch less shroter than than the 25.4 inch typical D-18 neck .

[@Bryankimsey]

It's your bridge that's in the wrong place. See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIaqf31jjbyoja8

[@softsouthernknight]

@@Bryankimsey So - should I have another neck re-set done? Intonation is fine. Stays in tune. Original Bridgeplate too.

[@RahulSharma_JaiMataDi]

Thanks Bryan ... not sure if i missed 1940 D18 bracing looked more tapered than the D41 Authentic. Do the bridge plate size across all three 1940 & 1941 & 1948 are they same? gain thanks for the great insight

[@Bryankimsey]

'40 has a replaced plate... you can see where it looks like it had an oversized plate at one time. '48 is probably a little smaller because the X is slightly farther back. By "taper" do mean like the peak? More like a V in cross section? Maybe.. they're all hand-shaped and are going to vary.

[@RahulSharma_JaiMataDi]

@@Bryankimsey Thanks Bryan i mean more like V bracing ... Bridge plate did you replace it looks more accurate on the 40 and yes it was oversize before based on the glue. Please if you can make video and share thoughts on bridge plate size...thanks a lot

[@Bryankimsey]

I did nothing to the '40. It just came in last week and this was actually my first time playing it. I have... in the past hour... made a new nut, though. I think the '40 looks a little large BUT you have to be VERY careful about these things because Judge Wolfe is an excellent repairguy with an excellent sense of judgement and for all I know there's a _reason_ it's a little big. Worst thing you can do is start tearing stuff off just because you don't like it. It's like on the '34 D-28 when I said "I wouldn't take this slightly oversize bridge off until I had a REASON to do it, like it comes loose on it own or something". Who knows what's under that bridge, ya know??? Better to let that sleeping dog lie.

[@RahulSharma_JaiMataDi]

@@Bryankimsey Thanks Bryan

[@ericecklund676]

Bryan would you want to start a new thread in the UMGF Technical Info section to post your new findings on these Vintage Martin's? Would you want to also measure the neck of your newest shop guitar that you really love, the CS-Bluegrass-2016?

[@Bryankimsey]

Start a new one or just add to this one? I have a BUNCH more guitar specs, including the BG... tell ya what... I'll add the BG and some other relevant ones to the BG thread so that all eyes are on the BG... as they should be. :) umgf.com/viewtopic.php?p=2491938#p2491938

[@RedsArcade]

Mr. Kimsey, I wonder what your thoughts are on modifying a bridge plate in place. Ive got a mid 70s Yairis that commits all the same sins as 70s martins. It's got a huge Brazilian RW bridge plate. Seems like Brazilian would be a good material but it's damping the top. I thought about trying to score it and break off about 1.25" of material south of the bridge. Curious if you've ever tried something similar?

[@Bryankimsey]

That's gonna be tough. It's going to depend how strong the glue and if you can score it.

[@maltesetony9030]

Keyhole surgery for guitars!